Aurora vs Fort Collins: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Aurora, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,895 | $62,040▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.79 | $29.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,129 | $46,120▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,818▲ | $49,343 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,586 | $73,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,632▲ | $77,088 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Fort Collins is $2,145 (3.58%). Fort Collins's median is +10.99% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $47,503,Fort Collins spans $30,968. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($61,348 effective) pays 7.55% more than Aurora ($57,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,632)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,040/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,348)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Aurora grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$60,384 (2024) → $57,597 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$47,320 (2019) → $59,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Aurora or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Fort Collins as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Aurora vs Fort Collins?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov